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THIi 



HERMIT OF ERVING CASTLE 



BY 

GEORGE W. BARBER, 

A STUDENT AT A>"DOTEH. 



Written for the Hermit, at the suggestion of his numerous 
visitors and friends. 



ANDOVER: 

PRINTED "■ BY WARREN F. DRAPER. 

1868. 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



HEEMIT OF ERVING CASTLE 



BY 



GEORGE W; BARBER, 

A STUDENT AT ANDOVEE. 



Written for the Hermit, at the suggestion of his numerous 
visitors and friends. 




* ANDOVER: 
PRINTED BY WARREN F. DRAPER. 

1868. 



***** 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by 

GEORGE W. BARBER, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



01 

i 

THE HERMIT'S STORY, 



I, John Smith, known as the Hermit 
of Erving Castle, was born in the city of 
Perth, Scotland, July 10th, 1823, and 
consequently am now in my forty-fifth 
year. 

My father, Robert Smith, was a marine 
in the service of the crown, and so passed 
the greater part* of his time away from 
his family. Indeed, I never saw my 
father but twice, and then he treated me 
with only cold neglect. My mother died 
when I was but an infant, and o£ her I 
have no recollections whatever. Being 
thus early deprived of my natural pro- 



4 THE HERMIT OP 

tectors, I should have been abandoned 
to the cold charities of the world, had not 
my aged grandmother, on my mother's 
side, had pity upon me, and taken me to 
her own home and heart, and cared for 
me until I was able to earn a livelihood. 
For this motherly kindness on her part 
I have ever felt truly grateful. 

During this period I was sent to the 
government schools three years, free of 
expense — a special privilege granted to 
all soldiers' and orphan children. The 
training in these schools was excellent, 
and I learned to read,^rite, and keep 
accounts sufficiently well for transacting 
ordinary business. 

OCCUPATION. 

My next step was to enter into business ; 
for when a lad has completed the regular 



ERVING CASTLE. 5 

course at these government schools, he 
is assisted in entering upon any trade or 
occupation he may desire. And each 
one is allowed, to give him a fair start, 
two suits of clothes, a pound — five dol- 
lars American gold, — for pocket-money, 
and five pounds for his outfit. Taking 
a fancy to peddling, my five pounds were 
invested in cheap jewelry, knives, and the 
like, and I started out, when about fifteen 
years of age, with a peddlers pack upon 
my back, to seek my fortune in the wide 
world. ^But as the jewelry and knives 
made quite a heavy burden, and required 
not a little polishing in damp weather, I 
soon tired of such wares, and as fast as 
I disposed of them filled my pack with 
dry goods. _ I continued in this business 
several years, and during that time car- 
ried my pack over a large part of my 
native island. 



6 THE HERMIT OF 

AMONG THE HIGHLANDS. 

I took especial pleasure, however, in 
travelling among the Highlands, for as 
few peddlers visited that section business 
was not only better there than elsewhere, 
but the peddlers themselves received a 
more cordial reception. In fact, I found 
all strangers were welcomed to the frugal 
hospitality of the mountaineers ; and not 
unfrequently, in bad weather, I spent 
weeks with them free of charge, so anx- 
ious were the people to see and converse 
with some one " from abroad.''* , 

KEY TO MY LIFE. 

It was when a young man, and follow- 
ing my occupation among those romantic 
Highlands, that an event occurred which 
decided" my whole future, It was the 



ERVING CASTLE. 7 

meeting at one of those rustic farm-houses, 
nestled among the hills, a beautiful girl, 
whose life seemed designed for a coun- 
terpart of my^ own. She was a person 
of rare beauty, pleasing manner, and 
queenly bearing, who exactly filled my 
ideal of a woman, and captivated my 
heart. Being the daughter of a respect- 
able well-to-do highland farmer, she was 
possessed of more than ordinary culture, 
and occupied a superior social position. 
Hence I was coy in manifesting my affec- 
tion for her, supposing she was looking 
for some one whose wealth, occupation, 
and rank would compare more favorably 
with her own. Nevertheless, when at 
her father's house, she showed me many 
little attentions, which, under other cir- 
cumstances, I should have regarded as 
an encouragement. For, I must tell you. 



8 THE HERMIT OP 

as no one else will, and what few perhaps 
will credit when they consider my present 
appearance, mode of life, and aspirations, 
that when a young man, I was not alto- 
gether ill-favored. I dressed well and 
was quite fond of society. But seeing 
the young lady only occasionally, and 
being thus timid in making known my 
attachment, she, as she afterwards inti- 
mated, supposed me to be altogether 
indifferent. Considering my attitude, 
and desiring a home of her own, she ac- 
cepted the offer of a young cattle-dealer, 
and eloped with him to England, or, as 
we say in Scotland, " ran the border." 
Her father pursued them into England, 
but it was too late. They had already 
married. 

That first disappointment was my ruin ; 
for I have never recovered from the shock. 



ERVING CASTLE. 9 

When her -father was made aware of 
my attachment for his daughter, he mani- 
fested his interest in me by offering me 
a home with him as long as I might 
choose to remain. But* as the object of 
my affections had become the wife of 
another, to avoid wounding her feelings, 
no less than to spare my own, I chose to 
flee from all those associations. 

Before this disappointment I was en- 
terprising, ambitious, doing well at my 
business, and cherishing bright visions 
of the future ; but this blow broke my 
spirits and blasted my hopes. 

I SOUGHT SECLUSION. 

Despondency, like a dark cloud, now 
began to settle over me, leading me to 
renounce the world and seek retirement, 
that I might brood my over sadness. At 



10 THE HERMIT OF 

first I took secluded rooms in the city of 
Edinburgh, and lived in solitude nearly a 
year in the heart of that great tfietropolis. 
But one day, while looking over a news- 
paper, my eye fell upon an advertisement 
for a hermit, and having read and heard 
much of their retirement and quiet mode 
of life, I said to myself, " That is just 
what I should enjoy," so made application, 
and obtained the place. For such are 
the fragrant historic associations con- 
nected with hermits that no lord or 
noble's estate is really complete without 
one ; hence they are not uncommon at 
the present day in Europe. 

ORIGIN OF HERMITS. 

They originated about the middle of 
the third century, in the idea that to 
reach the highest attainments in piety 



ERVING CASTLE. 11 

one must retire from the world to the 
seclusion of the cloister, and devote him- 
self exclusively to the practice of religion. 
Yet in their devotion to God they did 
not forget their fellow-men, but were 
stimulated in their daily life to deeds of 
charity by the words of our Saviour : " In- 
asmuch as ye have done it unto one of 
the least of these my brethren, ye have 
done it unto me"; hence not only the 
way-worn and famishing traveller, but 
all who were destitute or afflicted were 
the especial objects of their pious care. 

Not a few of this class have distin- 
guished themselves in the history of the 
past. We read of Peter the hermit, who 
by his earnest preaching roused all Eu- 
rope to arms, and led in person the first 
crusade against the infidel Turks, who, 
holding the city of Jerusalem, shame- 



12 THE HERMIT OP 

fully treated the Christians on their 
pious pilgrimages to the Holy City. 
History also speaks of Simon Stylites, 
" who, for thirty years, preached repen- 
tance to an awe-struck multitude from 
the top of a pillar sixty feet high " ; and 
of Benedict, who while occupying a grotto, 
became famous not only as a religious 
teacher and founder of schools, but also 
of a celebrated order of monks. 

HERMITS AND HERMITAGES. 

Having given a brief sketch of the 
origin of this mode of life, and cited some 
instances of historical interest, we will 
now speak of hermits and hermitages as 
found at the present day. 

If there is a natural cave upon the 
lord or noble's estate, the hermit occu- 
pies it ; but if not, a lodge is built for 



ERVING CASTLE. 13 

him, usually of stone, and fitted up in a 
most rustic style. Here the hermit lives, 
supported, as are the hounds and deer, 
upon the nobleman's bounty, and no one 
is allowed to visit him without his patron's 
consent. The attraction of a hermitage 
consists chiefly in its rustic, picturesque, 
and pious appearance. A modest altar 
occupies a conspicuous place, and all the 
furniture is of the plainest and most 
primitive style. The hermit's dress, 
too, is simple, being usually a long cloak,, 
tied around the neck and girt loosely 
about the body ; and his bed consists of 
the skins of wild animals spread upon 
the floor. To make him put on as wild 
a look as possible he is not allowed scis- 
sors, neither knife nor razor ; hence his 
hair, nails, and beard grow indefinitely 
long, oftentimes to his great inconven- 



14 THE HERMIT OP 

ience. His food consists chiefly of hermit- 
bread, and a few simple dishes, which he 
prepares for himself. He spends his 
time in devotion, reading the Bible and 
other pious books, entertaining company, 
and in the cultivation of flowers. 

All guests, after having been shown 
the usual attractions of the estate, the 
deer, the hounds, the game, etc., visit the 
hermit, and not unfrequently bestow upon 
him substantial presents. I have received 
from this source alone more than a hun- 
dred dollars in a single year. 

MY FIRST HERMITAGE. 

I commenced my hermit life at Lovet's 
Castle, which takes its name from Lord 
Lovet, of feudal renown. This was a 
dark, dismal place, more fit for a dun- 
geon than a hermitage. And besides its 



ERVING CASTLE. 15 

gloomy appearance, it was rumored that 
a deed of darkness had once been com- 
mitted there. I discovered upon the 
floor in front of the altar ominous stains, 
which in the stillness of the night wrought 
upon my imagination, dispelling slumber 
and filling my drowsy ears with sad and 
mournful sounds. Yet every precaution 
was taken to keep the fact from me. 
But one day while a member of the lord's 
family wa£ showing some guests* over the 
hermitage oae asked in an undertone, 
pointing to the spot on the floor, " Was 
the young man murdered here ? " " Yes," 
was the reply; " he fell a victim here." 
I afterwards learned that he was a young 
man of fifteen, the prospective heir of 
the estate, who was brutally murdered by 
the connivance of one who expected to 
become possessor of the property in the 



16 THE HERMIT OF 

event of the young man's death. The 
deed was charged upon the hermit who 
was then occupant of the place, but sus- 
picion finally fastened itself upon a near 
relative who coveted the property, and 
scrupled at no means of becoming its 
possessor. I remained here about four 
years ; but the incumbent lord being a 
Catholic, no especial friendship sprang 
up between us. Eventually, Lady Hays 
visited tjie castle, and, learning that I 
was a Protestant, said she l^d a Catholic 
hermit, and asked if I would be willing 
to change places with him. I gladly ac- 
cepted the proposal, and soon removed to 

BLACK-HEATH HERMITAGE, 

under the patronage of that estimable 
lady. This place was not only peculiarly 
attractive, but all its surroundings most 



ERVING CASTLE. 17 

congenial. As good Lady Hays was 
widely known, and her society coveted 
by all, visitors constantly thronged her 
mansion, who were especially kind to me. 

After having spent six years very pleas- 
antly at her hermitage she determined 
on a tour of Eastern travel, and I accepted 
an invitation to act the hermit's part in 
some theatrical plays, then about to be 
brought upon the stage in the city of 
Inverness. Here I spent one season as 
an actor, but did not enjoy that heartless, 
bustling life. 

It was while acting in Inverness that 
an incident occurred which may serve to 
illustrate the reverence with which her- 
mits are regarded by all £he lower 
classes of Europe. Indeed, this reverence 
sometimes amounts to superstition. The 
event to which I have referred took place 

2 



18 THE HERMIT OF 

late one night, while I was on my way 
home from the evening's entertainment. 
Being tired with my walk and the 
evening's duties, I stopped in an old barn 
to rest, and finally concluding that I 
would remain until morning, I lay down 
in a corner upon the hay. 

ENCOUNTER WITH THE GYPSIES. 

Soon some marauding gypsies came 
in and struck a light. I feigned sleep, 
thinking perhaps I should be unnoticed; 
but they soon observed me, and examin- 
ing me closely discovered upon my finger 
a heavy gold ring. Then said one in a 
whispered tone : " Let us chop off his 
finger, and get that ring " ; but the other 
— not being in favor of doing things by 
halves, suggested a still more radical mea- 
sure — said, " No ; let us cut his throat." 



ERVING CASTLE. 19 

Upon this I opened my eyes, and, rising 
tip, asked what they wished. They, rec- 
ognizing me, exclaimed, " Oh, it is the 
hermit!" and from their superstitious 
reverence for this class of persons, gave 
me no further cause for alarm. 

* LORD FIEF'S HERMITAGE. 

While engaged in the plays, Lord Fief, 
who was a regular attendant at the* 
theatre, learning that I was then without 
a home, gave me an invitation to enter 
his hermitage, which I gladly accepted. 
But I did not enjoy life there, as I re- 
ceived but little attention, being often 
neglected for a whole week. Hence I 
not unfrequently suffered for the neces- 
saries of life. During the two years I 
remained there I became acquainted with 
Lord McDugald, of the Isles to the north 



20 THE HERMIT OF 

of Scotland, and desiring to visit that 
part of the country, he urged me to be- 
come his hermit. I did so, and remained 
with him more than six years, receiving 
every attention a hermit could desire. 

KENMORE CASTLE. 

But thinking the cold climate did not 
agree with me, I gladly complied with the 
wish of the Marquis Breadalbane, of Ken- 
more Castle, — whose wife, the amiable 
Lady Kenmore, was of the same persua- 
sion as myself, a Baptist, — and removed 
to his hermitage, situated in a more con- 
genial part of my native island. I re- 
mained here until his decease, a period 
of about three years, passing the time 
pleasantly. 

Being again without a permanent 
abode, Lady McDonald, of Keppeth Castle, 



ERVING CASTLE. 21 

offered to make me her gardener and 
give me a home for life, if I would re- 
nounce my faith and becomes Catholic. 
But I told the good lady that my religion 
was dearer to me than a hermitage, and 
that I would sooner be like Him who had 
" not where to lay his head," than violate 
my conscience in so vital a matter ; hence 
took my departure. 

WHY I CAME TO AMERICA. 

While lamenting the loss of a home I 
chanced to fall in with several young 
men who were soon coming to America, 
and one said to me, " Why break your 
heart about an old hermitage ? the woods 
are filled with caves in America ; come, 
go with us, and you will find a home." 
This was an argument which, under the 
circumstances, I could not resist, and as 



22 THE HERMIT OP 

the steamer was to leave in a few days I 
engaged passage, and soon found myself 
under way "to the New World. 

A TERRIFIC STORM ARISES. 

We had been out but a short time 
when a storm arose, which continued to 
increase for several days, until the rigging 
was swept away and much other damage 
done to the steamer. For three days we 
were all hatched below, and suffered much 
for the want of pure air and fresh water. 
Once a heavy sea striking the side of the 
vessel burst in the port, and swept me 
unceremoniously out of my berth upon 
the floor. At times waves swept over 
the deck, and we thought the vessel was 
sinking. Many realizing the powerless- 
ness of human aid, besought Him who 
calmed the stormy lake with the words, 



ERVING CASTLE. 23 

" Peace ; be still," to interpose in our 
behalf ; bat it was my prayer that if our 
bodies found a watery grave our souls 
might reach that blest haven of rest — 
heaven. 

THE STORY OF JONAH. 

Under these most trying circumstances 
I remembered the story of Jonah, who 
fleeing from duty was confronted by a 
violent tempest, and I could not but feel 
that this storm was a judgment upon me 
for murmuring at my lot, and fleeing 
from my native land. Many times I 
wished that we might turn back, or that 
I might be landed upon any shore Chris- 
tian or Heathen. But as this was impos- 
sible, I made a solemn vow that if the 
Lord would pardon my ingratitude and 
save my life I would never again murmur 



24 THE HERMIT OF 

or complain at my lot. Let no one think 
I am exaggerating, for the storm was so 
terrific that two vessels pursuing the 
same course with us were lost. But a 
day or two before we reached New York 
the weather became fine again, and all 
was gayety upon the steamer's deck ; but 
I blessed the Lord with heartfelt gratitude 
that I was not in the depths of the sea, 
nor in the belly of a whale ; yet such 
was my fearful experience on that voyage 
that I never intend to venture on the 
ocean again. 

FIRST YEAR IN AMERICA. 

I arrived in New York in the spring 
of 1866, and spent part of the first season 
in gardening about the city, but the heat 
was so oppressive that I could not endure 
it. Accordingly, having acquaintances 



ERVING CASTLE. 25 

in Boston, I went there, and spent the 
first winter in doing any little jobs which 
I could find. Yet I could not have sup- 
ported myself during the cold weather, 
had I not previously laid by a little 
money for a rainy day. But not liking 
life in the city, I began to cast about me 
for some employment which would prove 
congenial. 

Being told that I could make a tidy 
living by picking berries in the vicinity 
of Shutesbury, Leverett, and Lock's Pond 
and selling them in Boston, and thinking 
this employment would give me an op- 
portunity of being much in the country, 
I determined to go there and prospect. I 
found blue-berries in abundance, and saw 
that when the season for them had passed 
there would be a plenty of huckle-berries, 
so I immediately commenced picking. 



26 THE HERMIT OP 

HOW I SUPPORTED MYSELF. 

When I had gathered as many as I 
could conveniently carry, I started with 
them on my back for Boston. To pre- 
vent crushing the berries I put them in 
boxes, and tying them up in an old shawl 
I threw them upon my back like a pack. 
I usually carried about twenty quarts at a 
time, which, as I gathered only the largest 
and nicest berries, I always readily sold on 
reaching the city. I generally disposed 
of them at twenty or twenty-five cents 
per quart, thus realizing as the proceeds 
of the trip some five dollars. It usually 
required about three and a half days to 
go from Leverett to Boston, a distance 
of eighty-five miles, and the same to re- 
turn. I always felt a little tired after 
this long walk, and so did not return 



ERVING CASTLE. 27 

immediately, but spent a day or two in 
: visiting the Public Garden, for there I 
had an opportunity to gratify my great 
? admiration for flowers. Thus I was 
usually gone from home nine or ten days. 
In these jaunts I carried my provisions, 
consisting chiefly of crackers, and my 
coffee-pot also with me. When meal- 
time came I had only to stop by the way, 
like a soldier, boil my coffee, and eat my 
food. I also carried my bed-rug, and 
usually stopped at night in an old house, 
barn, or shed, wherever night overtook 
me, but was careful to be up and off in 
the morning before people in general 
were stirring. One school-teacher man- 
ifested her kindness by allowing me to 
stop in the school-house over night when- 
ever I passed that way. Here I not only 
found a stove upon which I could heat 



28 THE HERMIT OF 

my coffee, but also a warm place in which 
to sleep when the nights were chilly. 

I may add in summary, that it usually 
took me two days to gather the berries, 
and another to sell them, after reaching 
the city ; seven days were consumed in 
travelling ; thus ten days were occupied 
in preparation for and accomplishment 
of one of these journeys, and for all this 
the account stood as follows : 

20 quarts of berries at 25 cts. 5.00 

Expenses in the city, 1.00 

Net proceeds 4.00 

I confess it was rather discouraging, ten 
days' hard work for four dollars; yet with 
my simple mode of life, that little sum 
would stand me in stead for several 
weeks. 



ERRING CASTLE. 29 

CHESTNUTS AND WREATHS. 

After the berry season had passed I 
gathered chestnuts, and when the chest- 
nuts were gone I made evergreen wreaths, 
which I also carried in the same way to 
Boston. I could take along thirty or 
forty wreaths at a time, for which I re- 
ceived as many cents apiece, hence real- 
ized from ten to fifteen dollars a trip. 
This was much better than I did with 
the berries or chestnuts. My appearance, 
with this strange-looking pack upon my 
back, excited not a little wonder and 
merriment in the towns through which I 
passed ; but my occupation was at least 
an honest one, and why should I mind 
what people said or thought. 

I have often been asked why I did not 
take the cars, which ran so, near, when 



30 THE HERMIT pF 

I went to market with my berries. My 
ready answer to such an inquiry is, that 
the net proceeds of the trip would have 
been consumed in going one way, for the 
fare to Boston is nearly four dollars. 
And what then ? Why in that case there 
would have been nothing for me to do 
but to trudge back home, with a purse as 
empty as when I started. 

While picking berries in Leverett and 
vicinity, I made my home at a cave in 
that town, but as it afforded me but little 
protection in rainy weather, I often passed 
the night in a school-house not far distant. 

HOW I DISCOVERED MY PRESENT CAVE. 

Late in autumn while picking chest- 
nuts, I discovered the cave which I now 
occupy ; but having taken considerable 
pains to make my former abode comfort- 



ERVING CASTLE. 31 

able, I decided to winter there. In the 
following spring, March 1867, 1 removed 
to this place, and for fear of being dis- 
covered and driven away kept myself 
secluded, seldom leaving my cave, and 
then avoiding as far as possible all inter- 
course with men. Nor did I trade at 
the stores in Erving, but went to the 
adjoining towns for my coffee, sugar, and 
meal, being careful not to enter the same 
store twice, for fear of attracting notice, 
or of being questioned as to my home. 
When in the vicinity of my cave I avoided 
the road as much as possible, going 
through woods and fields, out of sight of 
human habitations. I dwelt alone in 
these deep solitudes until late in the 
following autumn, and no mortal knew 
that I tenanted these rocky fastnesses. 
That summer I spent here alone — no, 



32 THE HERMIT OP 

not alone — was the happiest of my life. 
During those months, as I reviewed the 
past, my heart was filled with thankful- 
ness to the kind Providence which had 
guided me here, and often from the altar 
of my heart and the cliffs of these rocks, 
there ascended the incense of devotion. 
In those hours of deep reflection, the only 
thought which disturbed my tranquility 
in this secluded spot, was the fear of 
being discovered, and driven away from 
the place which had now become so dear 
to me. But time passed rapidly on, and 
ere long the forest leaves began to .rattle 
beneath my feet, and soon the ground 
was whitened with the early snows; I 
accordingly commenced to gather in 
wood and make other preparations for 
the inclemency of winter. 



ERVING CASTLE. 33 

HOW I WAS DISCOVERED. 

One day I climbed upon the ledge, and 
nailed a few boards upon a tree to break 
the cold winds which blew down upon 
me through the crevices of the rocks. 
Having accomplished my object I threw 
the stone which I had used for my 
hammer carelessly down into the bushes 
in front of my cave. No sooner had it 
reached the earth, than* some one near 
where it disappeared cried out " Hal- 
loo ! " I made a like reply, and .jumped 
down quickly to see who the intruder 
was. My first thought on hearing this 
voice was, " I am discovered, and this is 
the sheriff who has come to arrest me or 
turn me out into the snow ; " but on 
getting down so that I could see a dis- 
tance into the woods, I caught just a 

3 



34 THE HERMIT OF 

glimpse of a man running from me as 
fast as he could. I then said to myself, 
" He has now certainly gone for the 
officers of the law, and I shall soon be a 
prisoner." 

DARK FOREBODINGS. 

It was then near the first of December, 
and a dark day for me, for I thought 
all my fond anticipations were now at 
an end. And I said, " What shall I 
do if I am driven away from my dear 
cave ? Where can I go ? What can I do 
to support myself through the long cold 
winter ? If I am taken before a magis- 
trate and fined for trespass I shall cer- 
tainly be sent to jail, for I have but a 
little money." Oh, those long, sad hours 
of fear and anxiety ! While pondering 
these dark forebodings my fire burned 



ERVING CASTLE. 35 

low, and I watched the dying embers on 
the hearth, imagining that I read in 
them my own sad end. Thinking the 
sheriffs would soon make their appear- 
ance, I did not replenish my fire, but sat 
through the weary hours of the day and 
far into the night expecting every mo- 
ment to see officers of the law stalking 
up the little footpath which led to the 
door of my secluded home. I not Tin- 
frequently imagined that I heard the 
noise of voices, and the crackle of break- 
ing limbs echoing through the woods. 
After nightfall I thought I caught through 
the trees occasional glimpses of an ap- 
proaching light. At length fatigued with 
long watching and almost benumbed 
with cold, I wrapped my scanty clothing 
about me, and laying down upon my 
bed of straw passed a restless night. 



36 THE HERMIT OP 

thinking and dreaming of the woes which 
I thought were in store for me. And 
during the reflections of those long hours 
I asked myself, again and again, shall I 
flee at the dawn of morning, like a guilty 
wretch, an'd leave my home and little 
hard-earned store of provisions, and all 
that I have ? " " No," I answered ; " I 
am not guilty of wronging any one, and 
I will not flee, but will meet the conse- 
quences, whatever they may be, like an 
honest man, here, where I have lived and 
enjoyed so much. The scene of my 
happy life shall also be the scene of my 
calamity." The following day was the 
Sabbath, the first of December, 1867, and 
I arose at the first flush of dawn, and, 
shivering with cold, anxiously watched, 
through the tedious hours of another day, 
the little footpath which led down into 



ERVING CASTLE. 37 

the woods ; but saw no one. At last 
night came, and I consoled myself with 
the thought, that the man whom I saw 
was only a straggler, like myself, as fear- 
ful of me as I was of him, and that I 
need feel no more concern about being 
arrested. So the next morning I again 
built my fire, and my heart and cave 
were once more radiant with the sun- 
shine of hope. Now thinking that all 
my dangers were only imaginary, I was 
as much exhilarated with joy as I had 
been previously cast down with fear, so 
went about my accustomed work singing 
more cheerfully than before. But im- 
agine my surprise at discerning, about 
the middle of the forenoon, three men 
cautiously approaching, and apparently 
seeking my dwelling. Instantly the 
thought flashed across my mind, " These 



38 THE HERMIT OP 

are the dreaded officers"; and I was 
tremulous with fear. On their nearer 
approach, I discovered that they were 
armed with axes and spades, — 

SINGULAR WEAPONS FOR MAGISTRATES. 

" What," thought I, " are they going to 
chop me in pieces, and bury me here ? If 
this is to be my lot, oh that my ashes might 
repose in the cave which has so long 
been my happy home." After discover- 
ing me, they approached, with an inquis- 
itive look and hesitating step. When 
they had come within speaking distance 
I inquired, " Who are you ? " They re- 
plied " We were building a road through 
the woods, so thought we would come 
up and pay you a short visit." They 
then asked, " Who are you ? " I replied, 
" I have recently come from* Scotland, 



ERVING CASTLE. 39 

and having no home or friends in this 
country, I have taken up my abode in 
these rocks." After these mutual ex- 
planations all fears vanished, and I in- 
vited them to come into the cave and sit 
down. One of the three was Mr. Death, 
who saw me on the previous Saturday, 
and of whom I caught occasional glimpses 
as he beat a hasty retreat through the 
woods. 

WHAT LED TO MY DISCOVERY. 

He, narrating how he chanced to find 
me, said : " I was at work in the woods, 
and discovering many fresh tracks in the 
newly-fallen snow, thought I would see 
whither they led. So following them, I 
soon found myself in front of a very 
strange-looking place. The mouth of 
the rock was nearly filled with wood, 



40 THE HERMIT OP 

over which poured a volume of smoke, 
darkening the cliff as it rolled and eddied 
upwards. Upon the rocks near by I saw 
a most singular-looking object, with long 
hair and matted beard, and I said, ' Is 
this a wild man of the woods, or have I 
come upon the retreat of robbers and 
highwaymen ? ' And being not a little 
frightened, I turned and fled, lest I should 
be pursued, and perhaps murdered." I 
told them that I, too, had been in agony 
ever since I saw the man, thinking an 
officer of the law would soon be put 
upon my track. But they frankly told 
me that no one in this community could 
wish to injure me, and that the owner 
of the land would probably have no ob- 
jections to my remaining, if I did not cut 
down the growing trees for wood. This 
intelligence was not only highly gratify- 
ing to me, but removed many fears. 



ERVING CASTLE. 41 

VISITORS POUR IN UPON ME. 

The next day a company of ladies paid 
me a visit, bringing with them for my 
comfort, no small quantity of delicacies 
and substantial provisions. This was 
unmistakable evidence that I "^as in a 
friendly and kindly disposed community, 
when I had supposed all were unsym- 
pathizing, and perhaps hostile. My joy 
at this unexpected revelation well-nigh 
overcame me. Nor was this all; but 
each day brought new evidence of the 
interest which the community felt in 
me ; for visitors now began to throng 
my cave, many of them bringing eata- 
bles and other expressions of good-wilL 
And they continue to come from far and 
near ; and I often wonder what attraction 
they find here. 



42 THE HERMIT OF 

Eventually the owner of the soil, Mr. 
Barton Wright, Esq., of Springfield, paid 
me a visit. He expressed much interest 
in me, and kindly assured me that I 
might live here as long as I choose. 
And not only this, but he gave me per- 
mission^ to build a road for the accom- 
modation of my visitors, and also allowed 
me the privilege of picking up all the 
wood 1 might need. I now felt that the 
prayer so often offered, that I might be 
allowed to. remain in this cave was an- 
swered, and my heart was filled anew 
with praise and thanksgiving. It seemed 
to me then, and does so still,* that a 
kind Providence directed me to America, 
and provided for me this home. And I 
cannot but cherish the hope that here I 
may be allowed to spend the remainder 
of my days. Such is my attachment for 



ERVING CASTLE. 43 

this place, that I would not exchange 
this rude cave for a princely mansion. 
For the sublimity of these rocks not 
only reminds me of the romantic High- 
lands of my native Scotland, but my own 
spirit is in harmony with these deep soli- 
tudes. Indeed I think no lord in his cas- 
tle or king in his palace happier than I. 

LOCATION OP THE HERMITAGE. 

The hermitage is located in the midst 
of a forest, of some four hundred acres, 
lying about a mile and a half northwest 
of the village of Erving. The cave itself 
is situated at the foot of an immense wall 
of granite, facing the south, which rises 
by broken steps as it recedes, until it ter- 
minates in a mountain of rock, reminding 
one of the couplet, 

" Hills peep o'er hills, 
And Alps on Alps arise." 



44 



THE HERMIT OF 



ROMANTIC SCENERY 

Hence the scenery around is indeed 
wild and picturesque. From some of 
these cliffs, through openings in the trees, 
one catches occasional glimpses of Miller's 
sparkling river, winding its way through 
the narrow valley, to add its tribute to 
the beautiful Connecticut. The puffing 
locomotive, speeding the lightning train, 
can also be distinctly seen, for t%e dis- 
tance of several miles, following -its iron 
path along the river's bank, while its 
shrill whistle wakes the woods in echoes, 
which are reverberated by the granite 
sounding-board, back of the hermitage. 
The dense woods come to the very mouth 
of the cave, and scattering trees' spring 
out of fissures in the rock on either side 
and above the entrance. In fact a ven- 
erable chestnut has planted its roots 



ERVING CASTLE. 45 

firmly within a crevice of the floor-rock 
of the cave itself, and bends its ponderous 
trunk to lift its proud head to the skies. 

PULPIT ROCK. 

A few feet to the left of the entrance 
a shelving rock projects several feet be- 
yond the main wall, which has received 
the name of Pulpit Rock. It is nearly 
level on the top, and forms a good plat- 
form for a public address. Religious 
services were held here for the first time 
Sunday, April 26th, 1868, by George W. 
Barber, a student at Andover Theolog- 
ical Seminary, who discoursed upon the 
u Parable of the Talents," to an audience 
which had come together for that purpose. 
I may also add, it is hoped that such 
services will not be of unfrequent oc- 
currence here. 



46 THE HERMIT OP 

MOSES' ROCK. 

A few feet to the east of Pulpit Rock, 
a perennial fountain of pure water gushes 
out of a crevice in the rock. This I 
discovered soon after finding the cave, 
and exclaimed, " Here is where Moses 
smote the rock, and the water gushed 
out." And I then said to myself, " Surely 
this cave, with this beautiful spring so 
near at hand, must have been designed 
for some homeless one ; and why not for 
me ? for does not he who said < not even 
a sparrow falls to the ground without 
my notice,' care for his own children ? 
Certainly there can be no harm in my 
dwelling here, if no other mortal knows 
of it or wishes it for his home." 



ERVING CASTLE. 47 

THE RABBIT'S CLAIM. 

But after having taken formal posses- 
sion of the cave, I found it occupied by 
one who held it not only by right of 
discovery, but also by right of actual 
possession. For one evening after I had 
retired for the night, a formidable rabbit 
stalked in, and made himself quite at 
| home. But soon discovering an intruder, 
he. fixed his indignant eyes upon me, as 
much as to say, What business have you 
here, sir ? but not fearing especially the 
rabbit clan, and thinking the cave large 
enough for us both, I determined to re- 
main until morning ; the rabbit at length 
despairing of looking me out of counte- 
nance, and fearing the issue of a pitched 
battle, calmed his troubled spirit ; and 
betook himself to a corner, and preparing 



48 THE HERMIT OP 

his couch, retired for the night. The 
next morning he manifested not a little 
irritation, as he watched my domestic 
operations from a crannie of the rocks. 
But finding me unmoved by his pugna- 
cious demonstrations, and not being un- 
reasonable in my demands, he doubtless 
concluded that discretion was the better 
part of valor. Accordingly, when his 
tempest of passion had fully subsided, he 
came back to the cave, and we eventually 
became mutual friends, and cheered not 
a little each others loneliness. Like 
too many other people, however, my 
rabbit partner had a very inquisitive 
nature, which he not unfrequently ex- 
hibited in meddling with matters that 
did not at all concern him. For often, 
when I was away from home, he would 
poke his nose into and upset things which 



ERVING CASTLE. 49 

were exclusively my own. I frequently 
took him to task for this, and tried many 
expedients to cure him of his bad man- 
ners. But his inquisitive disposition had 
so grown with his growth and strength- 
ened with his strength, that all attempts 
to correct it proved fruitless. One eve- 
ning, on returning to our abode, I did not 
find him at home, as he was quite fond 
of company ; but soon discovered that he 
had been up to his old tricks. Being 
tired, I soon turned in for the night, 
feeling not a little vexed at his conduct 
in my absence ; and I said to myself, 
" I will pay you for this." But while 
meditating on some mode of revenge, I 
heard his familiar rustle among the leaves, 
and knew that he would soon come up 
the ledge ; so catching up the fragment 
of a board, I struck it down upon the 



50 THE HERMIT OF 

rocks, to frighten him as he came in ; 
but, as it was quite dark, I chanced to 
hit the rabbit himself a severe blow 
upon the head, which prostrated him 
senseless to the earth, and caused his 
death soon afterwards. I was very sorry 
for what I had done, having no inten- 
tion of injuring him. However, as he 
was now dead, I thought I might appro- 
priate, without any charge of cannibalism, 
that flesh which had been so largely 
fattened on meal furtively taken from 
my chest. Accordingly I dressed and 
cooked him, and bade him adieu in the 
soup pan. 

MY MOUSE FRISKY. 

In a short time I noticed that even 
the rabbit's claim to the cave was not 
absolute, but was shared with a mouse, 
who kept house in a corner, from which 



ERVING CASTLE. 51 

a crevice extended to apartments below, 
where he betook himself in all times of 
danger. But the mouse soon learning 
that I was no enemy, grew very familiar, 
and I became much attached to him. 
Indeed, he was company for me, and 
afforded me not a little amusement ; for 
he would sit upon my knee, leap upon 
my shoulder* and eat from my hand. 
He came every morning regularly for 
his breakfast, and if his wants were fully 
supplied, would never interfere with my 
provisions ; but if neglected, was sure 
to forage whatever he could find. He 
delighted in his activity, and would per- 
form many acrobatic feats, such as leap- 
ing, turning somersets, and the like, 
which would have been a credit to any 
gymnast. Not unfrequently when visi- 
tors were present, he would give an 



52 THE HERMIT OF 

exhibition of his sprightliness, much to 
ieir amusement and wonder. On ac- 
count of his activity and sportiveness, I 
gave him the name Frisky, which he soon 
learned, so that he would come at call. 

MY BIRDS. 

Last summer a little bird built its nest 
in the mouth of the cave, where, though 
not unfrequently enveloped in the curl- 
ing smoke, it laid four spotted eggs, and 
reared as many beautiful young. I took 
especial pleasure, not only in watching 
the building of the tiny nest, and observ- 
ing the patient waiting of the mother 
bird for the eggs to break forth into life, 
but also in noting the parental solicitude 
for the callow brood, until they could 
care for themselves. These, too, became 
quite intimate, and depended largely 



ERVING CASTLE. 53 

upon me for support. Nor were these 
all the animated beings which cheered 
and enlivened my solitary abode. 

THE SQUIRRELS. 

It was not long before I discovered a 
family of four striped squirrels, living a 
little way up the rocks, who eventually 
became very neighborly. But I soon 
learned that when they ran in of an 
afternoon, their visit was more of a beg- 
gar's errand than a friendly call. These, 
too, became so fearless that they would 
come and take their pittance from my 
hand. But the squirrels^ as well as the 
birds and Frisky, have either been fright- 
ened away or devoured by 

ROBINNIE, THE CAT, 

who is now my only pet, and prides her- 
self upon being mistress of the hermitage. 



54 THE HERMIT OP 

She was brought here by a lady, who, 
being about to leave town, begged that I 
would adopt her. Not having a heart to 
turn her houseless away, I took her into 
the bosom of my family, and gave her 
a home by my hearthstone. As she is 
pleasant company, and seeks most of 
her living in the woods, I have become 
strongly attached to her, and could not 
now consent to part with her. When 
successful in her hunting excursions, 
however hungry, she brings her prey to 
the hermitage, and seeks to attract my 
attention before devouring it. And when 
her appetite is appeased she takes special 
pleasure, as her loud purr indicates, in 
getting upon my knee for an approving 
and doting caress. She is a good mouser, 
and a special terror to all mischievous 
creatures that prey upon the hermitage. 



ERVING CASTLE. 55 

THE CAVE ITSELF. 

The dimensions of the cave are some 
twelve feet in length and breadth by ten 
in height, in front, with the roof-stone 
sloping back, until it reaches nearly to the 
floor-rock. Thus the shape of the cave, 
together with the base-rock, is quite 
irregular ; but I have changed it for the 
better not a little, since entering it, and 
I hope to improve it still more. Thus 
far I have used neither powder nor wedge 
in breaking the rock in pieces ; but my 
plan is to keep my open fire in one place 
on the rock until it becomes hot, and 
then by dashing water upon it cause the 
surface suddenly to cool and crack in 
pieces. The bank wall in front of the 
cave is constructed largely of stones, 
which I have in this way broken in pieces 



56 THE HERMIT OP 

and removed from the interior. But 
there is much still remaining on the top 
and sides not within reach of the fire, 
which I intend to remove by blasting. 
I hope before another winter to fill the 
front of the cave (which is now rudely 
boarded up) with logs, and to stop the 
crevices with moss, which will not only 
make my * rock-dwelling as warm as a 
house, but also give it an anflque and 
picturesque appearance. 

MY FURNITURE. 

My furniture, which has recently been 
increased by contributions from visitors, 
now consists of two or three dilapidated 
chairs, and an old straw mattrass, upon 
which I sleep, spread upon the granite 
floor. Two or three rusty cans, a coffee 
pot, together with a few plates, knives, 



'erving castle. 57 

saucers, etc., constitute my crockery and 
cooking utensils. These are kept on my 
dresser, under the shelving edge of a rock 
just outside of the cave. 

MY FOOD. 

This consists chiefly of stirabout — In- 
dian pudding, — of which I am exceed- 
ingly fond, and which I eat without milk 
or sauce. Occasionally I bake a loaf of 
hermit-bread which is much esteemed in 
all hermitages. I use no meat or fish, 
except occasionally when I buy a few 
herrings, or obtain a little wild meat; 
neither do I use butter or any groceries, 
except a little tea or coffee. But I am 
fond of fruit and vegetables, and always 
use them when obtainable. Last year I 
raised a few hills of potatoes here and 
there in sunny places among the rocks 



58 THE HERMIT OF ERVING CASTLE. 

about my cave. But this year I have 
already planted more potatoes, onions, 
lettuce, and the like, which I hope will 
yield me many a delicious meal. . I enjoy 
my simple diet, and keep healthy and 
robust upon it, having never been sick 
in my life. 



Thus far the narrative has proceeded 
in strict accordance with the facts as 
given by the hermit himself. The spirit 
and style of the narrator, as originally 
dictated, have also been preserved as far 
as possible. 

That which follows has been added by 
the writer, thinking it would be of inter- 
est to the reader to learn something further 
respecting the appearance and character 
of our singular friend. 



ADDITIONAL PACTS. 



Since it became known that a hermit had made 
a cave among these rocks his home, the land upon 
whicn it is situated has advanced considerably in 
value, and it promises to be a place of so much 
attraction, when it becomes more widely known, 
that several enterprising gentlemen have expressed 
their desire to purchase some of these rocky acres, 
with a view of erecting a public house. . 

We would venture the suo-o-estion that when the 
land is disposed of a chance be given the present 
tenant of the rocks to secure a title to a few acres 
of the adjoining soil. If this can be accomplished 
he proposes to cut down .a portion of the trees, and 
by the diligent hand of cultivation make the wil- 
derness to bud and blossom as the rose. 

APPEARANCE, ETC. 

The hermit is a man of about medium size, and 
of light complexion. A heavy beard covers his 
face, but his head is somewhat bald. His counte- 
nance and e-y« indicate intelligence, and are free 
from all marks of sensuality or intemperance, 
though he acknowledges that he was once intoxi- 

59 



60 THE HERMIT OP 

cated, under the following circumstances: Soon 
after being discovered, some young men paid him 
a visit, bringing with them whatthey called " cider." 
Being invited, he drank with them, yet soon found 
that he had been deceived. But on coming to 
himself once more, he resolved never again to 
touch, taste, or handle that which " at the last biteth 
like a serpent and stingeth like an adder." 

He has kept his resolve, and now when invited 
to press the drunkard's cup to his lips replies, " I 
have joined the tee-totalers." He has often been 
urged to open a dram-shop at his cave, being as- 
sured that he would have " plenty of customers," 
and could make enough money in a short time to 
buy what land he desires. But he says, " Not a 
drop shall be sold here with my consent ; nor do I 
covet the company of those who are addicted to 
its use." 

Furthermore, he does not use tobacco, and says, 
" I am not going to sell it, for my cave smokes 
enough now for me ; and'I do not wish to make it 
any more disagreeable to ladies and others by the 
presence of tobacco fumes." 

HABITS. * 

He rises early, usually with the sun, and soon 
prepares his morning meal. And after putting his 
cave in order for the day, he busies himself, when 
not engaged in gardening, in knitting stockings, 
which he does with considerable facility. He says 
he knows it seems very simple to see a man knit- 
ting in this country, but in Scotland the men when 



ERVING CASTLE. 61 

not employed out of doors do this chimney-corner 
work as much as the women. He sells the stock- 
ings to his visitors, and in this way gets money 
enough to support himself in his primitive and 
simple mode of life. On pleasant days he may 
not unfrequently be seen sitting at the door of his 
cave,, humming some pious tune while plying his 
needles, with his cat seated cosily upon his knee. 

SOCIABILITY. 

It might perhaps be inferred from his love of 
solitude, that he would be taciturn and distant ; 
but, on the contrary, he uses elegant language, and 
is more than ordinarily social. When drawn out 
in conversation he is free to narrate the inci- 
dents of his own life, or to speak of the manners 
and customs of the Scotch. He communicates 
much interesting information, not only of the lords 
and nobles under whose patronage he has lived, 
but also relative to the brave and unconquer- 
able Highlanders, among whom he has extensively 
travelled. He is a man of considerable general 
intelligence and good breeding, which he has un- 
consciously acquired from contact with the nobility 
of his native land. 

NEITHER A KNAVE NOR A SIMPLETON. 

In fact our hermit is not, as many have supposed, 
a knave or simpleton, but an honest, intelligent, 
Christian man, and by persuasion an open com- 
munion Baptist. 



62 THE HERMIT OP 

His library is not extensive, but well-chosen, 
consisting of, at present, a Bible and hymn-book, 
of which he makes daily use. As might be inferred 
he is a lover of music, and when requested enter- 
tains his visitors with hymns, or songs of an ele- 
vated character. But it is contrary to his idea of 
propriety to sing songs on the Sabbath. His favor- 
ite tunes are Balerma, Old* Hundred, Jerusalem, 
Comfort, and the like, which he sings with the spirit 
and understanding also. 

FROM THE ATHOLE PAPER. 

" John the Hermit. — It is inscribed in Holy 
Writ ' that it is not good for man to be alone ' ; 
although this fact is an outbreathing of Deity, yet 
many of human kind have, at various times and 
places, and from all kinds of religious, moral, and 
pecuniary reasons, tried hard to gainsay it, and 
by their actual life endeavored to demonstrate the 
many charms of solitude that lie hidden in cloister 
and hermitage. 

" For instance, we have among the craggy cliffs 
of our neighboring town of Erving a hermit who 
fain would establish among our granite rocks and 
limpid streams a facsimile of the hermitages of 
Albion and Scotia. . . . 

" Among the vast domains of England's nobility 
it is customary to have a romantic spot inhabited 
by a hermit, with long disheveled hair, matted 
beard, and finger-nails like the talons of an eagle, 
who daily adds additional charms to render the 






ERVING CASTLE. 63 

surroundings more and more picturesque. This 
is the desire of our John, and explains our state- 
ment of his being a hermit by profession. . . . 

44 He is, without doubt, very industrious in his 
mountain home ; the spring, the rock, the ledges, 
the garden spot of potatoes, springing onions, and 
flowers in bloom, testify to his love of industry, and 
his appreciation of the beautiful in nature. He 
has been largely visited from all the neighboring 
towns, and seems while employed in his knitting 
to recall with pleasure the kindnesses of his nu- 
merous visitors. . . . 

" The hermitage is within easy distance of the 
Erving House, kept by mine host Trask, where 
guides can be procured and the best of fare, and 
courteous attention, both going to and returning 
from Erving Castle. 

" The scenery from the crags around is indeed 
romantic, and will in itself repay a visit. We 
would say to our readers, go and see Erving 
Castle." 

AN UNWELCOME VISITOR. 

Among his many visitors he has had one who 
was not particularly agreeable. This was a suspi- 
ciously-acting fellow, who, while secreting himself 
in the woods, chanced to discover the hermit's hab- 
itation, and entering unbidden, not only abused 
the hermit much, with insulting language, but 
also threatened to turn him out of his cave. He 
boasted of having been a rebel soldier, and seemed 
perfectly reckless, giving the solitary dweller much 



64 THE HERMIT OP ERVING CASTLE. 

occasion to fear ; yet he finally went away with- 
out doing him any harm. The hermit afterwards 
learned that his visitor was a fugitive from justice, 
stained with dark crimes, and that even while 
he was at the cave abusing him detectives were 
watching for the criminal on the other side of the 
mountain. But he has not since visited the hermit- 
age, and the hermit hopes he will not again. 

ALL ARE WELCOME. 

The hermitage is open, and it is a pleasure for 
the hermit to entertain company every day except 
the Sabbath. His visitors may occupy a seat in the 
hermitage, drink at Moses's Rock, climb the cliffs, 
or wander through the forest at their pleasure. 
Come one and all who wish to see a bona fide 
hermit — one who has lived a secluded life for 
nearly twenty years, and covets no other. 

LOCATION. 

Erving is situated on the Vermont and Massa- 
chusetts Railroad, extending from Fitchburg to 
Greenfield, and some ten miles from the latter 
place. Persons wishing to visit the hermit can 
leave the cars at Erving, and there obtain direc- 
tions. The hermitage is about two miles distant, 
but a passable carriage road has been opened 
nearly to the place. 



>old by the. Hermit, at his cave in Erving, 
Mass. Also, forwarded by mail on receipt of 
price, by Geo. W. Barber, Orange, Mass. 

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